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Mark Hughes is putting together one of the best sides in the Premier League at the Bet 365 Stadium.

Stoke manager Mark Hughes

Stoke City completed the signing of Liverpool midfielder and European Championship star Joe Allen on Monday, as Mark Hughes continues his development of the Potters.

The former Wales boss has brought some players of genuine class to the Bet 365 Stadium since he took over in 2013, and the arrival of the 26-year-old is another piece in what is becoming a wonderful puzzle.

Allen had an excellent summer tournament in France as he helped Wales reach the semi-finals, and the ex Swansea star even made the Uefa Team of the Tournament, announced after the final.

He will likely slot in alongside French powerhouse Giannelli Imbula, with Allen's playmaking from deep giving the Stoke attack a new lease of life.

Hughes has also signed talented Egyptian winger Ramadan Sobhi from Al Ahly this summer, but the final piece of major business for this summer could be the Potters signing of West Brom striker Saido Berahino, which the Mirror suggest could be completed for a fee of up to £20 million.

Che Thomas

Che is an Englishman abroad unable to cut the apron strings tying him to the crazy world of English football. As a writer and freelance journalist, he has covered matches and cultural events from across the globe all with the intention to inform, entertain and provoke debate. Just as smitten with music, film, and photography, though fully aware of the fact that nothing takes the place of that Saturday afternoon excitement down at N17 (even when it's actually on a Sunday!)